CREBA seeks stable rules to accelerate housing

The Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. (CREBA) is urging the government to provide greater legal certainty, transparent rules, and project-specific enforcement in the housing sector, saying predictable regulations are essential to encourage developers to sustain investments.

CREBA national president Noel Toti Cariño said housing policies should remain stable even when administrations change, noting that regulatory changes made while projects are already underway can create uncertainty and affect investment decisions.

He also called on the government to apply enforcement on a project-by-project basis rather than allowing issues involving one development to affect other projects owned by the same developer.

Cariño said permits and licenses to sell are issued for specific developments, making it inappropriate for a violation or dispute involving one project to automatically carry consequences for unrelated developments.

“CREBA is not asking for less regulation. We are asking for regulation that is legally certain, proportionate, transparent and predictable,” Cariño said.

The group likewise sought greater transparency in government data on housing production and escrow funds, saying reliable information would help developers and public agencies coordinate more effectively.

CREBA said the expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program should be assessed based on the number of housing units actually completed and occupied, rather than solely on announced project commitments.